Roman Gilt Bronze Snake-Headed Bracelet

With high-relief image depicting a she-wolf in profile advancing beneath a tree, with an infant or boy (Romulus?) on its back, nude and looking up towards the tree. 39 grams, 62 mm

Mostly intact, good condition.

Believed to have been found in Wakefield, UK, in the 1960s. From the Roman 'Invasion Period' private collection of Brian Riley, Wakefield, UK, 1960s-2007. Acquired from Brian Riley, Yorkshire, UK, circa 2007. Property of a Stowmarket, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Military phalerae usually depicted heads of the gods, spirits of the underworld, birds and lions. The higher officers in the Roman army had the custom of wearing a rich suite of phalerae with its straps directly attached to leather garments or doublets, worn over their armour. These decorations were awarded in sets, commonly of nine, although sources confirm that this was not an always the case.

Bifid form with parallel bands and lentoid bezels, one with low-relief clasped hands motif, the other with a bird holding a frond. 3.45 grams, 17.96 mm overall, 15.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Red marble pestle or grinding tool, the handle formed as a thumb with knuckle and nail detailing; old collector's label '2' to underside. 312 grams, 12 cm



Ex private collection, Mrs L.S., 1980s. Acquired from the above, 1999. Private European collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12096-218201.

Mainly used by medical staff for grinding ingredients such as medicinal compounds, cosmetics and culinary spices.